Classification standard for holiday cottages

For your convenience, we have rated the cottages with stars according to their standard and equipment.

There are basic standards that have to be met to insure that the cottages meet the standard of the Visit Åland's classifications. These requirements insure that the guest's safety and comfort is guaranteed.

The cottages are rated from one to five stars ( * - ***** ). To qualify for a certain rating, the minimum requirements of that rating must be met. The cottages are judged according to ten different criteria: surface, floor plan, bathroom, possibilities for washing, kitchen equipment, lighting, heating, beds, boat and other equipment. The cottages rating is determined by the lowest criteria rating. For example, the cottage may be rated five stars in nine criteria but only get three stars when it comes to kitchen equipment, which means it will get a three star rating. Equipment beyond the minimum requirement add extra points. The classification is only a guideline and does not take into consideration the location or the surroundings. The cottage is not priced solely according to the rating.

Minimum requirements:

5 stars *****
The total living space in the cottage is at least 10 m2/bed and 4 m2/extra bed. Living room and a fully equipped kitchen (with dish washing machine). At least one bedroom with a maximum of two beds. Beds: 80 x 200 cm with a spring mattress and mattress pad of good quality and access to bed linens and towels. Sauna. Shower and toilet indoors. Electric heating, complete electric lighting and open fire place/wood stove. Washing machine, TV, radio, vacuum cleaner and iron. Access to a rowing boat if the distance to the shore line is less than 2 km's.

4 stars ****
The total living space in the cottage is at least 8 m2/bed and 3 m2/extra bed. Living room and a fully equipped kitchen. At least one bedroom with a maximum of two beds. Beds: 80 x 200 cm with a 13 cm thick foam mattress and mattress pad. Access to bed linens and towels. Shower and toilet indoors. Access to sauna. Electric heating, complete electric lighting, TV, radio and vacuum cleaner. Access to a rowing boat if the distance to the shore line is less than 2 km's.

3 stars ***
The total living space in the cottage is at least 8 m2/bed and 3 m2/extra bed. Living room and a fully equipped kitchen. At least one bedroom. Beds: 80 x 200 cm with a 10 cm thick foam mattress and mattress pad. Access to bed linens and towels. Wash room and toilet indoors and access to shower and sauna. Electric heating, complete electric lighting. Vacuum cleaner, access to a rowing boat if the distance to the shore line is less than 2 km's.

2 stars **
The total living space in the cottage is at least 5 m2/bed and 2 m2/extra bed. Living room sleeping area, kitchenette with possibilities for cooking and refrigerator. Beds: 70 x 190 cm with a 10 cm thick foam mattress and mattress pad. Wash room with a wash basin and cold water (or own sauna). Own separate WC/outhouse/chemical toilet. Possibilities for heating, gas or electric lighting installed. Access to a rowing boat if the distance to the shore line is less than 2 km's.

1 star *
The total living space in the cottage is at least 5 m2/bed and 2 m2/extra bed. Room with beds, possibilities for cooking and a refrigerator. Beds: 70 x 190 cm with a 10 cm thick foam mattress and mattress pad. Wash basin, access to water, shared separate WC/ outhouse/chemical toilet. Possibilities for heating. Lighting from gas or oil-lamps. Access to a rowing boat if the distance to the shore line is less than 2 km's.

The classification standards for holiday cottages in Åland are determined by Visit Åland.

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